Rob Schmitz appears in the following:
Dutch election is a reminder that far-right politics are gaining support in Europe
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
The Netherlands is the latest country in Europe to give a far-right party the most votes in a national election, though not enough to govern. Concern over migration is often cited as the cause.
A far-right party has emerged as the biggest winner in the Netherlands' election
Thursday, November 23, 2023
A far-right, anti-immigrant party in the Netherlands has won the most votes in this week's election, underlying the concern over immigration in Europe.
A proposed bill wants schools in the Netherlands to hold more classes in Dutch
Monday, November 20, 2023
A proposed bill in the Dutch parliament would force universities to conduct more classes in Dutch, rather than English.
Berlin's famed nightclubs, losing customers, face an uncertain future
Friday, November 03, 2023
Inflation, a weak economy and declining numbers of club-goers all challenge the clubs' viability. Club owners are seeking protected status, similar to what Berlin's opera companies enjoy.
Where Britain, France and Germany stand on the Israel-Hamas war
Monday, October 30, 2023
Reactions to the Israel-Hamas war vary across Europe, determined by each country's unique history and perspective. Here's what governments are saying in Britain, France and Germany.
Germany's strict support for Israel, informed by history
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Germany's position in the Israel-Gaza war is informed by its complex past.
As Europe applauds Poland's election results, civil rights groups prepare to fight
Saturday, October 21, 2023
LGBTQ+ and abortion rights advocates are thrilled Poland's ruling, right-wing Law and Justice party is unlikely to form Poland's next government. But they are skeptical of the commitment of who will.
Poland's civil rights activists are cautiously optimistic about the new government
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Poland's right-wing ruling party lost the national elections. But activists do not predict the winners will undertake major changes in LGBTQ and abortion policies.
Exit polls indicate Poland's current ruling party didn't get enough votes to stay
Monday, October 16, 2023
Exit polling shows that Poland's ruling party is unlikely to remain in power which would represent a dramatic shift toward democracy and the EU.
Poland's populist, right-wing government appears to be on its way out after 8 years
Monday, October 16, 2023
Exit polling shows the ruling Law and Justice party, which has steadily chipped away at democratic institutions, is suffering a dramatic upset.
On election day in Poland, people express hope for voting out the ruling party
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Poland is holding national elections today in which voters choose between parties with radically different visions of Polish democracy.
Poland's election could steer EU member further away from democracy or closer to it
Friday, October 13, 2023
Poland holds national elections Sunday with the future of its right-wing government in doubt.
Poland's upcoming election could be most important in decades
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Poland holds national elections on Sunday and opposition parties say the future of the country's democracy is at stake.
Germany's far-right party now polls higher than the three parties in government
Saturday, October 07, 2023
Germany's far-right AfD party now polls higher than each of the three parties now governing Germany. It is another example of the spread of populism across Europe.
Worry and concern follow pro-Kremlin candidate's victory in Slovakia election
Monday, October 02, 2023
Former prime minister Robert Fico campaigned as a left-wing populist, opposing continued military support for Ukraine and aligning with Russia against the United States.
2 weekend events show how Eastern Europe is wrestling with its political future
Monday, October 02, 2023
In Slovakia, a pro-Russia party won the majority of votes in a national election. In Poland, thousands marched to support the opposition to the ruling nationalist party headed by another populist.
Poland's dangerous eastern border takes center stage in upcoming elections
Monday, October 02, 2023
The NATO and EU member borders Belarus, the Russian territory of Kaliningrad and Ukraine — plus a strip of land connecting it to Lithuania. It is an unstable and volatile mix of frontiers.
Slovakia's elections could have big implications for Europe and war in Ukraine
Friday, September 29, 2023
Slovakia, a member of both NATO and the EU, holds national elections on Saturday. The likely winner is an party that rejects NATO's military support of Ukraine and is sympathetic toward Russia.
Migrants and borders are major issues in Poland's upcoming election
Monday, September 25, 2023
Poland's precarious position next to Russian ally Belarus makes the issues more complex. (Story aired on All Things Considered on Sept. 23, 2023.)
Poland border tension
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Migrants and borders are a major issue in Poland's upcoming election, but Poland's precarious position next to Belarus and Kaliningrad makes the issue even more complex.